proposing, president obama answered "fiscal cliff" questions on twitter monday. one twitter follower asked, why won't keeping tax rates low across the board encourage more hires and tax revenue? the president replied high-end tax cuts would cost almost $1 trillion while extending middle class cuts will produce growth. if there is no compromise all tax go up and spending will be slashed including cuts to the defense budget. defense contractors gathered in washington monday to discuss the consequences. david language staff is ceo of task a company that develops aviation systems and software for intelligence agencies. >> but i think it's very bad for national security because companies cannot plan. >> republicans sent the president a counterproposal monday afternoon. it includes more than $2 trillion in budget savings and extends tax cuts for all americans. >> us this far republicans have been adamant that rates shouldn't go up on the top 2% wealthiest americans. well, the american people overwhelmingly disagree. >> in addition to using social media the president ha